Inspirational - Rated 
Quite Quickly, you are riding the storm with Nick Ward. The book is so well written, that you can visualise the scenes, feel the torment & genuinely feel for the guy. The situation these people found themselves in, you wouldn't wish on your own worst enemy. I loved this book. You can take inspiration from this book not only by how Nick Ward dealt with what was in front of him, when the storm started to really take hold, but also with how he dealt with finding out the true events that found both himself, & his comrade, alone & at the mercy of the sea. If anything, your respect for the sea will greatly increase. I thoroughly recommend this very inspirational book.
The best of its type - Rated
I enjoy sailing and have been out in heavy weather, but this is the first book I have read that fully describes the circumstances in which a boat is overwhelmed. It is a really good read and I believe it could be enjoyed by non-sailors as it is well written. I have read a number of books on surviving at sea and this is the best.
A true story of adventure, tragedy and emotion, which nearly didn't get told - Rated
Firstly, I just don't read books - they rarely keep my attention after the first chapter, and my shelves are littered with bookmarks sticking out from uncompleted attempts! And I've never had an interest in sailing. But I heard about this book and became more and more interested in how an ordinary guy got involved in such a prestigious but ultimately tragic race, and I wanted to know more about his eventual rescue and the hints of betrayal. I coped with the scene setting of the early chapters; in fact they surprised me by being very readable indeed. But once the race was underway Nick's excitement really came bubbling through, only to turn to nervousness and then, as the weather deteriorated, fear. Eventually, alone on the yacht except for the body of his friend, his desperation turns to near madness; but the reader is there alongside him, willing him on, sharing his deepest thoughts and feeling his desolation. An absolutely compelling read which I completed from cover to cover in record time! An adventure, and a poignant story of trust, fortitude and endurance... and, although Nick takes care to put himself in the place of his crewmates and not to be accusative, yes, betrayal. For those who may be put off by their lack of interest or knowledge in sailing, don't be... OK, there is a certain amount of technical terminology but if I coped, anyone can, and there is a reference diagram in case the reader wishes to learn a little more. A selection of Nick's personal photos adds further interest to this highly recommended book.
query - Rated
I throughly enjoyed the book,having always had an interest in the 1979 event( a friend was one of those lost,not on Nicks yacht), but what I found puzzling was there was no mention of a bilge pump. I seem to remember in those days we had one in the cockpit and on at least one boat one down below as well. Maybe I'll write to Nick one day and ask him.
The most thought provoking book i have ever read - Rated
I loved this book and being 23, the same age as nick at the time of the disaster left me with so many questions and thoughts as to how i would react if i was in the same situation. Being a sea going person i do have an understanding of the sea and what it can throw at you but i cannot even begin to imagine the conditions Nick was having to deal and cope with. Having read other books about the '79 fastnet i was aware of Grimalkin and the situation Nick Ward was left with so it was great to read his own version of it. I could not put the book down.
Last week i met Nick at the Southampton Boatshow and was able to talk to him and dicuss all the questions I had. He is a genuinely nice guy and was willing to talk openly and freely to me. He was very pleased that i had not only read the book and but enjoyed it also. It really made my day as i had not expected to ever meet him but having only just finished the book the feelings and thoughts it had provoked were still fresh in my mind. I could have spoken to him all day, what a truly amazing guy.
I would recommend this to everybody not just sailors, you will love it i promise you.
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